BSL Racing’s Shayne Alach has made a return to front running pace at the boxing night spectacular at Western Springs, although a series of frustrating incidents meant the best he could manage in the 25 lap feature race was eighth, meanwhile team-mate …Progress for BSL Racing

BSL Racing’s Shayne Alach has made a return to front running pace at the boxing night spectacular at Western Springs, although a series of frustrating incidents meant the best he could manage in the 25 lap feature race was eighth, meanwhile team-mate Scott Buckley had a strong night ended with electrical problems.

Alach started his first heat race in tenth and had worked his way into fourth place amongst a field that included seven international drivers when the yellow flags came out. However before he had a chance to capitalise on the closing up of the field, he was hit by another competitor and the ensuing left rear puncture meant Alach was resigned to the infield for the remainder of the race. The second heat was again a tale of disappointment after Alach worked the Spike/Esslinger into fourth after starting seventh, only to get caught up with the spinning Michael Kendall and forcing a second retirement and a start near the back of the semi-main.

Buckley on the other hand started the night well, placing fifth in his first heat and winning his second to start from grid three for the feature race.

In the F2 midgets, Trewen Joine showed consistency pays off, being the highest points scorer across the night in his class that meant when the feature race was cancelled due to time restrictions, he was declared the winner for the night.

Starting near the back of a huge 20 car semi-main filled with many top competitors of which only four would proceed to the 25-lap feature race, Alach had his work cut out for him. After a strong start, the Aucklander worked his way into the fourth position with only a handful of laps remaining took the fourth position to earn him the final spot on the grid for the feature.

Both Alach and Buckley made strong starts to the feature race, with Buckley becoming involved in a battle for third place holding off defending Midget World series champion Jerry Coons Jr. Meanwhile Alach made early gains using the high line and before long had worked his way into the top ten on an increasingly slick track, eventually ending the race in eighth place but encouraged with the gains made in the performance of the new 161 Esslinger motor. Buckley’s strongest run of the season came to a premature end when an electrical problem meant he was forced to retire.

The BSL Racing team now prepare for night two of the International Midget series at Western Springs Speedway, that includes the 30-lap world derby, on December 2